Passions

Some people relax doing crosswords, well for me it’s being given an inefficient business process problem that requires the development of a management system. Whether it’s the mapping of a process, designing an entity diagram or building a fully functional relational database. There is no better feeling than walking past someone who does not know who you are and there they are, using your system. I can only imagine, it’s a bit like being a song writer and standing in a lift with someone humming your song, just a great feeling!

This does not necessarily mean 5* as some of the best food, service, views and just sheer joy have been at places where flip flops, shorts and tee shirts have been the appropriate dress code. My wife and I call ourselves “champagne hippies” i.e. we like the good life without the need for a jacket and tie! We booked a holiday once travelling from the UK to Sydney because we wanted to go back to a restaurant called Whitewater on Manly Beach (don’t know if it’s still there) – that’s how much we like our food!

My experience has been in the Bahamas, Canaries, West Coast of Scotland, The Solent, Barrier Reef (motor) and Croatia. Living and travelling under canvas is liberating and always makes you feel like there is an open door with something else to discover. Racing is not my thing but pleasure sailing is, and after a days sail then pulling into a marina where good food and great weather is in no short supply, wow life is good! If you ever need any inspiration take a look at this amazing family – truly inspirational! SailingBritican.com

Not renowned for my religious beliefs but I do believe there is something after this material life, and if ever I want to understand what it is all about then getting out, hiking the hills, feeling the warmth of sunrise, the chill of a sunset and the smell of a camp fire – is there anything else?

Despite having been given some truly monumental bad ‘Independent Financial Advice‘, I have discovered an absolute passion in managing a portfolio of investments in global markets. I have learned to tread very carefully when being given any financial advice and only commit once I have done my research.

If you have never heard the dawn chorus in an English country garden or broad-leaf woodland in spring, then put this on your bucket list! There is nothing more pure than the sound of a Robin, Wren or Blackbird at sunrise when the air is crisp.